Set up macOS and developer tools from the terminal

Gemini CLI can change macOS settings and help install developer tools by showing each command for approval first.

Done with Gemini· Intermediate· Jan 2026

What they did
A person used Gemini CLI outside a codebase and asked it to handle system setup tasks from the terminal. It looked up instructions when needed, then presented shell commands one by one so the user could approve them. In one case, it ran `defaults write` commands to turn on Dock auto-hide and remove the delay.
How it went
The Dock tweak succeeded, and Gemini used the correct `defaults write` commands. The example did not report any confirmed result for installing Docker or setting up Git GPG signing.
Tips
Treat system-wide changes carefully and review every command before you allow it. If a command is unfamiliar, ask the agent to explain it first, especially for `defaults write` changes or anything that touches keys, signing, or admin access.

Try it yourself with Gemini

Help me configure my [Mac/Linux machine] from the terminal. I want to change [specific system settings], install [tools like Docker], and set up [Git signing or dotfiles]. Before each step, show me the exact command and a plain-English explanation of what it will do. Pause and ask for my approval before any command that needs admin rights, changes existing settings, edits keys, deletes files, or sends/submits anything. After each approved step, tell me whether it worked and what changed.

Fill in the [brackets]. Agents can make mistakes, so review anything before it is sent, paid or deleted.

Read the original on addyosmani.com ↗

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